Holiday happenings at the center

My favorite words at this time of year are “Holidays already?”

As I get older, the holidays seem to come by faster and faster each year. As the year draws to a close, we have time to have fun, hold many holiday activities and be warmed by the companionship of old and new friends.

For the past two years, our seniors have sent packages to four soldiers serving overseas. Charlene Ashendorf, one of our board members, wrote this after helping put the packages together:

“When you mention the Costa Mesa Senior Center what comes to mind is a place for classes, exercise, meals, information and camaraderie. Recently, however, the center was a place for volunteers to put their hands together for four service personnel. For the second year in a row, organizer Mary Ann Bane enlisted the support of senior center members, staff and the community. Just in time for the holidays, four Orange County soldiers -- Ken Clarke, Russell Kaiser, Lindsey Reichle and Mathew Leifi -- will receive large cardboard boxes filled with all kinds of wonderful items and good wishes from home. Serving in Kosovo and Iraq, these soldiers who were referred to this core group of volunteers by friends of the Costa Mesa Senior Center, will enjoy a slice of Orange County.

“This year’s support far exceeded Bane’s expectations! Some weeks ago, volunteers Jeannine Chun, Betty Gillespie, Cheryl Ward, Sahara Cookson, Ginny Stockus and Charlene Ashendorf were overwhelmed by the bags filled with toiletries, magazines, comics, snacks and stationery. These were sorted, boxed and wrapped in colorful paper. Hopefully these gift boxes will bring holiday cheer to these three men and one woman who are serving our country!”

COME TO A SPECIAL HOLIDAY BRUNCH

Come to the senior center to share special moments this holiday season at our fourth annual morning brunch, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 23. Bring your family and friends.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to invite that lonely neighbor or acquaintance you’d like to get to know a little better or just make someone else happy.

Have your picture taken with Santa who will be here to note your holiday wishes.

Listen to great music by Tony Bartel, and enjoy the wonderful brunch prepared by Newport Harbor Lions Club members Mike Scheafer and Bruce Garlich, who also happen to be senior center board members. The charge is $5 per person.

We also make sure that every senior goes home with a gift. You can make a senior’s holiday special by donating to our fourth annual senior gift chest drive to benefit homebound seniors and members of the senior center. This year we are also putting together gift certificates to Target and local grocery stores. Please deliver gifts to the center at 695 W. 19th St. by Monday.

The center will be closed Jan. 2, 2006, in celebration of New Year’s Day.

Wishing everyone love, friendship, happiness, laughter, joy, peace and most of all, health. May you all enjoy the holidays.

* AVIVA GOELMAN is the executive director of the Costa Mesa Senior Center. She writes occasional columns about the center, its members and senior issues.

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